The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This Book May Well Change Your Life

One of the first books that always comes up whenever someone mentions book recommendations is this one. Why? It is simple and profound at the same time.

This is one of those books I've revisited more than most others. Couldn't count the times I've read or listened to it. It is a book you will ingest and think about for the rest of your life.

Ruiz states that the wisdom contained within comes from the spiritual teachings of the Toltec, a Meso-American culture from Mexico whose empire flourished until the invasion of the Aztecs in the 12th century.

Like many indigenous cultures, this Toltec portrayal of reality paints a picture of the world as dreamlike and malleable. That the world we encounter is formed by our beliefs about the structure and rules of reality. Often these rules come from outside of us, through our families, culture, and religions. These beliefs about reality he calls, Agreements.

These Agreements shape and direct our reality. They can oftentimes limit us very much. They can keep us small, following paths that aren't our own. But we can change our Agreements with reality, and change our trajectory.

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So what are the Four Agreements, and why are there only four?

You're normally not going to want to give away all the secrets in a summary, but these agreements are only windows. You'll need to look through the windows, into the book itself, and will spend the rest of your days exploring those rooms.

Ruiz states that there are so many agreements we have made with reality that it can become overwhelming to know where to begin in changing our direction. He recommends starting with these first four agreements, as they are profound, and will open the door to changing so many others in a positive way.

The Four Agreements:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

3. Don't Make Assumptions

4. Always Do Your Best

Each one of these Agreements contains many layers of meaning. I will leave you to the book to explore what they really mean and the depth of their wisdom.

Once you start to master these agreements, you can move onto others that are relevant to your own life and experience, changing your overall picture of reality.

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There are always parts of books that just hit you so deep. Some of these Agreements were wake up calls, and lighthouses pulling me toward a better life. This book definitely helped me look at life in a much different way. A healthier way. I am a better person for having read it.

If you get a chance to check it out, please let me know what you think!

stay curious, ya weirdos!